Unites States >> States >> New York (State)
New York Population Overview (2026 Projection)
New York is a state in the Northeastern United States. It is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont to the east, and has a maritime border with Rhode Island east of Long Island. New York also shares an international border with the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the north and Ontario to the northwest. New York is the fourth-most populous state in the United States.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, New York recorded a population of 20,201,249 in the 2020 Census. The latest Census population estimate (July 1, 2024) places New York’s population at 19,867,248, reflecting a marginal decline compared to 2020.
Based on recent Census trends, migration patterns, and natural population change, New York’s population is projected to stabilize and gradually recover over the next few years.
Projected Population of New York (2026): ~21 million
Source: US Census 2020 and Census estimates
New York Population Growth (2010–2020)
Between 2010 and 2020, New York recorded modest population growth.
Population Increase: 823,147 people
Decadal Growth Rate: 4.1%
New York also has a relatively mature population profile.
Median Age: ~38.2 years
Population Density: ~416.4 people per square mile
New York Census Snapshot (2020)
| Indicator | Data |
| Total Population | 20,201,249 |
| Median Age | 38.2 years |
| Population Rank | 4th |
| Total Land Area | 47,126 sq mi (122,057 km2) |
| Area Rank | 27th |
| Population Density | 416.42/sq mi (159/km2) |
| Median Age | 38.2 |
Source: US Census 2020
New York Historical Population
New York’s population has grown steadily over the past century, though with periods of slowdown and decline. In 1910, the state had a population of 9.1 million, which increased to over 20.2 million by 2020, representing a net gain of more than 11 million people. Growth was strongest in the early to mid-20th century, while the state experienced a brief population decline between 1970 and 1980. In recent decades, population growth has been moderate, with a 4.25% increase between 2010 and 2020.
Decadal Population Change (1910–2020)
| Year | Population | Percentage Change |
| 1910 | 9,113,614 | – |
| 1920 | 10,385,227 | 13.95% |
| 1930 | 12,588,066 | 21.21% |
| 1940 | 13,479,142 | 7.08% |
| 1950 | 14,830,192 | 10.02% |
| 1960 | 16,782,304 | 13.16% |
| 1970 | 18,236,967 | 8.67% |
| 1980 | 17,558,072 | -3.72% |
| 1990 | 17,990,455 | 2.46% |
| 2000 | 18,976,457 | 5.48% |
| 2010 | 19,378,102 | 2.12% |
| 2020 | 20,201,249 | 4.25% |
Source: US Census 2020
New York Demographics (Summary)
Religion in New York (Overview)
Christianity is the largest religious affiliation in New York.
Christian: ~60%
Roman Catholic (largest denomination)
Protestant
Unaffiliated: ~27%
Other Religions: ~12%
Non-Christian faiths in New York include Judaism (7%), Islam (2%), Hinduism (1%), Buddhism (1%), and other smaller religious communities.
🔗 Read detailed data: Religion in New York
Race and Ethnicity in New York (Overview)
New York is one of the most racially and ethnically diverse states in the United States. According to the 2020 Census, the White alone (non-Hispanic) population was the largest group, accounting for 52.5% of the total population.
Other major groups include:
Hispanic or Latino: 19.5%
Black or African American: 13.7%
Asian: 9.5%
Two or More Races: 3.6%
🔗 Read detailed data: Race and Ethnicity in New York
Ancestry in New York (Overview)
New York’s population reflects a wide mix of European, African, Caribbean, and Asian ancestries. The largest ancestry groups include Italian, Irish, German, and American, with sizable populations of English, Polish, and West Indian ancestry.
New York has a high proportion of foreign-born residents, with over 20% of the population classified as foreign-born. The state has the second-largest Asian American population in the nation and also ranks second in total African American population, though it ranks lower in percentage terms.
🔗 Read detailed data: Ancestry in New York
Cities and Counties in New York
New York has one of the largest urban concentrations in the United States.
Largest City: New York City
Share of State Population: ~43% resides in New York City
Other Major City: Buffalo
Most Populous Counties:
Kings County (Brooklyn)
Queens County
New York County (Manhattan)
read more about Cities and Counties in New York State
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